Caspian Kit

[cav4life]

I'm not sure this is the right place for this?
I have been really interested in a Caspian slide and frame kit.
I am kinda scared as I don't know much about 1911's or pistolsmithing.
They seem like a pretty simple setup...is this something I should do?
I would hate to ruin it and waste a bunch of cash.

What are some things to look out for if I do this?
I was thinking of powder coating it with an automotive powder coating kit, would you guys think this would be ok?

I'm just trying to figure out if this is something I should tackle.
If not, where can a get a 3.5" 1911 in 10mm???

[Hawkmoon]

I don't think Caspian sells any "kits," although if you buy a frame and a slide together they will fit them for you. After that, you're on your own building the pistol. It can be done ... even I was able to do it ... but it ain't Legos. I drove John and a couple of the members here nuts with stupid questions while I was building my kit gun. And that was a good one, where most things fitted pretty much as they should. Since I got braver (or stupider) and decided to build another, I discovered just how many things can actually be out of spec (or in spec and still not work with each other).

[cav4life]

Right on the kit. I meant just getting them to do the slide frame fit thing.
I think I might try it, just because I can't find 3.5" 1911 in 10mm.
If things are out of spec do you just make them fit?
It might be interesting?

[Hawkmoon]

Yeah, if things are out of spec, you basically make other things out of spec until it either works, or falls apart in your hands, or blows up.

Unlikely that a Caspian frame and slide will be out of spec, though. They claim that they hold the tightest tolerances in the industry, and I believe the reason I ha so few problems (aside from those arising out of my own ignorance) is that I started with a Caspian frame. The ones that have been driving me nuts are on frames from other sources. (Being a naturally inquisitive type, I just had to find out for myself exactly how much worse a $50 no-name receiver could be than a $200 Caspian receiver. Well ... I found out.)

[cav4life]

Well that makes me fell better. I am a Manufacturing Engineering Planner and all I do all do is read and interpret blueprints. I think if I had some decent blueprints I would be ok for sure.

So, stay away from the cheap no name frames, check!

[John]

10mm, 3.5" pistol? Good Lord, you like punishing your hands!

[Helstrm]

You can get an Armscor frame for about $89. In fact you can get the frame and slide for about $160. I am not sure if I would want a caspian "kit" to be my first build as they are not the cheapest parts to mess up. The best part of building your own 1911 is shooting it for the first time. (After the pucker factor) Make sure you run through all the safety checks and load 1 round in the mag. Then 2 or 3... Nothing like a full auto 1911.
I have a friend that picked up 2 GOV 1911s from a gun show and like an idiot he put a full Mag in it when he got home. Pulled the slide back.... Well let's just say his wife was not happy when one of them went full auto in his kitchen.

"3.5" 10mm :eek:

[John]

Poor wife! I am sure she asked for divorse right after this incident! A burrrrp in your kitchen is not something many women stand. LoRL.

[cav4life]

10mm, 3.5" pistol? Good Lord, you like punishing your hands!

I have always been interested in the 10mm amd the 1911. I really just want to build a compact carry 1911 in 10mm. I'll take my chances with my hands :D

Armscor frame and slide...hmmm does Armscor make a 3.5" slide and frame?
Would it be good quality?

[cav4life]

where can I buy armscor frames and slides??? I went to the armscor site and they didn't mention anything about bare slides and frames or anything made by them in 3.5"

[rjm713]

Hi there,
Caspian does have some parts kits. Check out their website under receivers/accessories/parts kits. There is also a comprehensive list of mods they will do on your frame and slide before delivery and the cost of each item.
Hope this helps
rjm713

[John]

Email or PM Ivan here, he will answer you.

[Helstrm]

http://www.sarcoinc.com/rockislands-new.html

Scroll down and you will see the Slide and frame prices but these are full size. The frames are the same price as IVAN's site lists so I would say send your business to IVAN but I am not sure how much his slides are.

[cav4life]

Thanks for all the advice guys! what is IVAN's site?

[berkbw]

just scroll up the manufacturers to the top - armscor - and click on ivan.

[berkbw]

just scroll up the manufacturers to the top - armscor - and click on ivan.

oops - armscorBA - that's Ivan, sorry.

[cav4life]

Maybe it would be cheaper to get a RIA compact and then convert it to 10mm? I would then have 2 for the price of one!??
Would the frames stand up to the 10mm? Aren't they cast instead of forged? I wouldn't be putting more than 50rds of 10mm per month? what are the opinions on that?

[cav4life]

Well I PM'd Ivan and he suggested against doing the 10mm thing. He was quite helpful and it has made me decide to try a RIA commander. I will just mess with RIA. Thanks for all the help!